CMU bids farewell to Concord president

A banquet to bid farewell to outgoing Concord College president John Unger was held June 14 at Canadian Mennonite University.

“It has been challenging, but it has been a truly amazing ride,” Unger said of his years at the head of Concord College. “It has been terrifying, exhilarating and deeply gratifying because we’re building for the future.”

Unger receives an original painting by Winnipeg artist Terri Heinrichs depicting the entrance to CMU’s main administration building, presented by Board chair Hertha Janzen.

Unger led Concord through its transformation into Canadian Mennonite University. The Mennonite Brethren college joined Canadian Mennonite Bible College (CMBC) and Menno Simons College to form the Mennonite College Federation (later CMU) in 1998, where Unger continued to serve as Concord College president.

Beginning June 16, Dr. Gerald Gerbrandt became president at CMU, representing a move to a single presidency. Unger will take a six-month sabbatical before assuming the lead pastor role at Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg.

The farewell banquet was an evening of tributes to Unger’s leadership and love of people. Unger’s passion for motorcycles was noted too. Carved wooden motorcycles decorated tables and the CMU faculty sang a modified version of Bicycle Built for Two highlighting motorbikes and life at CMU.

There were tributes from staff, faculty and representatives of the Mennonite Brethren conference, Mennonite Church Canada as well as the CMU board and the Fort Garry church. But the most moving presentation came from Unger’s daughter, Heather. She spoke about lessons she learned from her dad through his years in farming, trucking, church ministry and administration.

“I am my father’s daughter – a father who has taught me to reach for my goals, to work hard, to think creatively, to dream extravagantly and to love deeply. We are endlessly proud of you, Dad,” Heather said through her tears. And she echoed the words of her siblings’ speeches adding, “Now get some rest.”

—Duane Cummings, CMU